Best Places to Buy Rental Properties in Ohio 

If you’re exploring where to invest in real estate in 2025, Ohio should be on your radar. While it may not always make the headlines, this Midwest state continues to quietly deliver some of the best cash-flowing and most stable rental markets in the country.  

From my own experience working with investors, both local and international, Ohio consistently offers the kind of deals that are becoming increasingly difficult to find elsewhere. Whether it’s a high-yield duplex in Cleveland, a lakefront short-term rental in Geneva-on-the-Lake, or a cabin in Hocking Hills pulling in $400 a night, the diversity of opportunities here is real and profitable.  

Over the past decade, as a licensed real estate agent and investment advisor, I’ve helped dozens of clients, including many overseas buyers, build rental portfolios that stood the test of time.  

With keen observations across markets, the numbers behind them, and the local expertise, we offer a practical, no-fluff look at where your next high-performing rental could be and why these cities consistently outperform. 

Short-Term Rental (STR) Hotspots in Ohio  

Ohio might not come to mind first when you think of short-term rentals, but that’s precisely why the smartest investors are already taking notice. With far lower property costs than national vacation markets and fewer restrictions than major metro areas, certain Ohio towns are delivering surprising and sustainable returns on STRs.  

Whether it’s lakefront tourism, college town traffic, or nature-based escapes, there are STR pockets in Ohio where investors are consistently earning $3,000–$7,000 a month during peak seasons. And with the rise of mid-term stays (30–90 days), demand remains strong even beyond traditional vacation windows.  

Why STRs Work in Ohio 

Here’s why short-term rentals in Ohio are outperforming expectations: 

• Seasonal Tourism is Strong: Lake Erie getaways, amusement parks, and outdoor destinations like Hocking Hills bring millions of visitors each year.  

• Properties Remain Affordable: Lower home prices translate to better cash-on-cash returns, even in high-demand areas.  

• Friendly Zoning in Key Areas: Smaller towns and tourist zones often welcome STRs with fewer hoops to jump through.  

• Growing Mid-Term Demand: Traveling nurses, remote workers, and college visitors are boosting demand beyond just weekends.  

Here are the best Ohio STR markets in 2025: 

1. Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio 

Best for: Lake Erie vacation rentals, wine trail tourism, and seasonal STR profits  

Geneva-on-the-Lake has quietly become one of the strongest seasonal rental markets in Ohio. As the state’s original resort town, it continues to draw vacationers from Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and as far as Toronto, especially during the summer and fall.  

The town thrives on a few major tourist attractions, including Lake Erie beaches, the Ashtabula Wine Trail, local festivals, and a nostalgic boardwalk vibe that appeals to both families and couples. Between May and October, STRs near the Strip or with lake access are pre-booked weeks in advance, often at premium rates.  

Why It’s Top-Ranking:  

• High seasonal demand with limited hotel inventory  

• Short STR regulations and high community tourism support  

• Outdoor-focused guest preferences that reduce renovation costs (e.g., porches > granite counters)  

Key Numbers:  

• Median Home Price: $180,541  

• Annual STR Revenue: $41,000  

• Rental Yield: 22.8%  

Investor Insight: “Properties with firepits, porches, or retro-chic interiors tend to outperform here. It’s less about luxury and more about charm and location. Look within walking distance to ‘The Strip’ for maximum bookings.”  

2. Hocking Hills (Logan, Ohio)  

Best for: Nature tourism, romantic getaways, and cabin-style STRs  

Hocking Hills has become one of Ohio’s most sought-after destinations for nature lovers and weekend travelers. With over 4 million annual visitors, it rivals much larger tourism markets yet still flies under the radar for most investors. Located in southeastern Ohio, the area is known for its forested parks, hiking trails, waterfalls, and picturesque cabins. 

What makes Hocking Hills stand out isn’t just the volume of tourism but the kind of guests it attracts. Couples, families, and friend groups looking to “get off the grid” often prefer cabins or small homes over hotels. That demand creates a perfect STR environment for investors who understand how to build or renovate properties for privacy, comfort, and a unique experience.  

Why It’s Top-Ranking:  

• Robust year-round occupancy driven by outdoor tourism  

• High nightly rates for purpose-built cabins and rustic-chic homes  

• Minimal STR restrictions in most surrounding townships  

• Ideal for mid-week bookings and romantic stays, and not just weekends  

Key Numbers:  

• Median Home Price: $373,833  

• Annual STR Revenue: $75,660  

• Rental Yield: 20.24%  

3. Sandusky/Cedar Point Area, Ohio 

Best for: Amusement park tourism, family-oriented summer rentals, and Lake Erie visitors  

Sandusky is home to Cedar Point, one of the top-rated amusement parks in the world, and it draws millions of visitors each summer. The tourism here is intense from May through September; families book extended weekends, and group accommodations are always in short supply.  

Its proximity to Lake Erie and the islands (like Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island) adds another layer of draw. For STR investors, this means consistent demand across a diverse guest profile, including amusement park tourists, boaters, and large family groups.  

Why It’s Top-Ranking: 

• Massive seasonal demand (Cedar Point alone draws over 3 million annual visitors)  

• Excellent value-to-income ratio with very affordable property prices  

• Strong preference for larger units (3+ bedrooms), which increases nightly rates  

• STR zoning is still favorable in many neighborhoods  

Key Numbers: 

• Median Home Price: $159,000  

• Annual STR Revenue: $44,988  

• Rental Yield: 28.3%  

4. Athens, Ohio 

Best for: College town STRs, event-based rentals, and mid-term university stays  

Athens offers a hybrid opportunity that few markets can match. As the home of Ohio University, it experiences waves of STR demand around academic events, such as move-ins, homecomings, graduations, and sporting weekends. But beyond that, there’s a steady market for mid-term stays from visiting professors, medical staff, and parents spending time with students.  

While it doesn’t boast lakefront views or amusement parks, Athens benefits from reliable guest turnover and very low vacancies when priced right. It’s an ideal market for investors looking to balance STR income with mid-term leases.  

Why It’s Top-Ranking: 

• Strong event-based STR spikes throughout the school year  

• Mid-term rental demand from visiting faculty, contractors, and academic guests  

• Properties near campus hold value and stay booked  

• Low competition in the STR market compared to larger college towns  

Key Numbers: 

• Median Home Price: $327,233  

• Annual STR Revenue: $32,040  

• Rental Yield: 9.8%  

Investor Insight: “Athens is perfect for a hybrid strategy as it operates as an STR during high-demand weekends, then shifts to 30–90-day mid-term leases in slower seasons. Look for duplexes or small homes within walking distance of the university.” 

Long-Term Rental (LTR) Power Markets in Ohio 

Long-term rentals remain the cornerstone of real estate investing in Ohio. With low purchase prices, high renter populations, and landlord-friendly laws, these markets consistently deliver strong cash-on-cash returns, particularly for out-of-state and international investors seeking passive income or steady cash flow.  

Whether you’re building a portfolio from abroad or scaling locally, these Ohio cities provide a strategic blend of affordability, rental demand, and room for appreciation.  

Benefits of Ohio LTRs: 

• Lower entry prices guarantee better cash-on-cash returns   

• High renter populations in college towns and urban centers   

• Favorable eviction processes and no rent control   

• Great BRRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) opportunities  

Here are the best Ohio LTR markets in 2025: 

5. Cleveland, Ohio 

Best for: High-yield BR deals, workforce housing, and affordable duplexes  

Cleveland is one of the most consistent cash-flowing cities in the Midwest and a top BRRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) market in the country. Despite being Ohio’s second-largest metro area, many of its neighborhoods still offer properties with prices under $120,000 and gross yields exceeding 12%.  

The key to success here is zip code precision. Some areas experience high turnover and vacancies, while others, such as Old Brooklyn, West Park, and parts of Collinwood, attract stable tenants and support above-average rents.  

Why It’s Top-Ranking: 

• Low median home prices with strong rental income potential  

• Wide inventory of duplexes and small multifamily properties  

• High tenant demand from medical workers, trade professionals, and city employees  

• Multiple up-and-coming neighborhoods are due to local revitalization efforts  

Key Numbers: 

• Median Home Price: $109,167  

• Annual Rent: $14,400  

• Gross Rental Yield: 13.2%  

6. Columbus, Ohio 

Best for: Long-term appreciation, student and healthcare tenants, and job-driven growth  

As the state capital and fastest-growing city in Ohio, Columbus offers a balance of appreciation and stable rent income. The presence of Ohio State University, multiple hospital systems, and Fortune 500 employers (like Nationwide and Cardinal Health) keeps the rental market active and resilient.  

Although prices are higher than in Cleveland or Dayton, so are the rents, making Columbus a solid choice for investors who value growth, liquidity, and tenant diversity.  

Why It’s Top-Ranking: 

• Rapid population and job growth  

• Consistently high rental demand from students, tech workers, and healthcare professionals  

• Strong long-term appreciation trends in many neighborhoods  

• Landlord-friendly environment with low vacancy rates  

Key Numbers: 

• Median Home Price: $240,167  

• Annual Rent: $17,940  

• Gross Rental Yield: 7.47%  

Investor Insight: “Columbus is where equity builds over time. Buy near OSU or hospital corridors and consider small multifamily properties; they rarely stay vacant.” 

7. Dayton, Ohio 

Best for: Value-priced homes, PR opportunities, and blue-collar rental demand 

Dayton is a comeback city. Known historically for its manufacturing and aviation roots, it’s seeing renewed interest due to downtown revitalization and demand from the military and healthcare sectors.  

With median home prices well under $160K, Dayton is one of the easiest entry points into Ohio real estate and one of the best for the BR strategy. Areas like Westwood, Belmont, and St. Anne’s Hill offer solid tenant pools, especially for renovated single-family homes and duplexes.  

Why It’s Top-Ranking: 

• Very low entry price with consistent rental demand  

• Steady tenant base from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, hospitals, and manufacturing  

• Excellent cash flow in revitalized neighborhoods  

• High upside for rehab-focused investors  

Key Numbers: 

• Median Home Price: $154,983  

• Annual Rent: $11,700  

• Gross Rental Yield: 7.55%  

Investor Insight: “The best deals in Dayton come from cosmetic fixers. A $20K rehab can often double your rent potential and increase long-term tenant quality.”  

8. Cincinnati, Ohio 

Best for: Urban stability, appreciation, and tenant retention  

Cincinnati is a central metropolitan area that still retains many small-town characteristics, particularly in terms of tenant loyalty. With a strong job market, low vacancy rates, and affordable neighborhoods within a 15–20-minute drive downtown, it remains a favorite among buy-and-hold investors.  

Neighborhoods like Northside, Oakley, and Westwood are seeing consistent investment, while the presence of major employers (Procter & Gamble, Kroger, and several hospitals) keeps the demand for quality rentals high.  

Why It’s Top-Ranking: 

• Solid appreciation and cash flow balance  

• Low turnover rates in stable, middle-income neighborhoods  

• High rent collection success and tenant retention  

• A diverse economy and ongoing infrastructure improvements  

Key Numbers: 

• Median Home Price: $236,083  

• Annual Rent: $16,800  

• Gross Rental Yield: 7.1%  

Investor Insight: “Cincinnati tenants tend to stay put. If you deliver a clean, well-maintained unit, you’ll often have renters for 3+ years, keeping your cash flow steady.”  

9. Toledo, Ohio 

Best for: Low-cost entry, workforce tenants, and stable returns  

Toledo may be one of the most affordable cities in Ohio, but don’t confuse low cost with low value. It has a strong blue-collar renter base, reliable occupancy rates, and small multifamily properties that consistently generate yields of 10% or more.  

Major local industries, including healthcare, logistics, and auto manufacturing, drive the rental market here. While some parts of Toledo require extra diligence due to older housing stock, neighborhoods like Old West End and Point Place offer solid LTR performance.  

Why It’s Top-Ranking: 

• Very low acquisition prices, making it perfect for cash buyers  

• Reliable rent collection from working-class tenants  

• High gross yields and room for property improvement  

• Quietly becoming a preferred city for out-of-state investors  

Key Numbers: 

• Median Home Price: $113,533  

• Annual Rent: $11,400  

• Gross Rental Yield: 10.04%  

10. Akron, Ohio 

Best for: Duplex investing, mid-size multifamily properties, and hybrid rental strategies  

Akron continues to attract savvy investors thanks to its affordability, high gross yields, and proximity to primary healthcare and education hubs. With properties regularly trading under $120K and strong demand for both long-term and mid-term leases, it’s a great city to scale in.  

Neighborhoods like Highland Square and Wallhaven are walkable, tenant-friendly, and home to 2–4-unit properties that are ideal for generating cash flow.  

Why It’s Top-Ranking: 

• Affordable duplexes and triplexes for portfolio growth  

• Mid-term lease demand from traveling nurses and students  

• Low vacancy rates near hospitals and the University of Akron  

• Ideal for hybrid rental models (LTR + MTR)  

Key Numbers: 

• Median Home Price: $112,726  

• Annual Rent: $12,600  

• Gross Rental Yield: 11.2%  

Investor Insight: “Akron is one of the few cities where you can run dual strategies on the same property. MTR in one unit, LTR in the other, and keep your occupancy near 100%.” 

Why Ohio Should Be in Your 2025 Investment Portfolio 

From high-yield short-term rentals in scenic lake towns to long-term cash flow in up-and-coming urban neighborhoods, Ohio continues to prove itself as one of the most accessible, profitable, and investor-friendly states in the US.  

In a landscape where many major markets have become overvalued or oversaturated, Ohio offers the perfect balance of: 

• Low acquisition cost  

• Strong rental demand  

• Landlord-friendly laws  

• Diverse rental strategies  

• Reliable long-term growth  

Whether you’re a first-time investor looking to house hack a duplex in Cleveland or a seasoned landlord expanding your STR portfolio in Hocking Hills, there’s a lane here for every kind of buyer.  

And the best part? You don’t need to be local or even a US citizen to get started.  

Invest in Ohio from Anywhere with HomeAbroad  

At HomeAbroad, we specialize in helping both US residents and foreign nationals invest in US real estate without the usual roadblocks. Whether you’re building a portfolio remotely or buying your very first investment property, we make the process simple, secure, and expert-driven.  

With HomeAbroad, you get: 

• AI-powered investment property search tools  

•  Foreign national mortgage options  

• Local real estate agents and property managers across Ohio  

• Step-by-step guidance through every stage from offer to closing  

And yes, even if you don’t have a US credit score or permanent US residency, you can still own real estate in Ohio. If you’re serious about building real estate income in 2025, Ohio should be high on your radar, and HomeAbroad is here to help you unlock its full potential. 

FAQs 

About the author:

Rachel Spaccarotelli is a licensed mortgage originator (NMLS #1497555) and Senior Customer Loan Manager at HomeAbroad with a decade of experience in home financing for foreign nationals, specializing in international lending and Non-QM mortgages.

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